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Beginner lesson 16/20
Weak squares and outposts
Use squares that the opponent cannot easily challenge.
Learn this chess concept step by step, then practise it on the interactive ChessRivo board.
Open interactive lessonAbout this lesson
A weak square cannot be well defended by pawns. A protected piece placed there can become a powerful outpost.
Key ideas
- Pawn moves can create permanent weak squares behind them.
- Knights are especially strong on protected central outposts.
- Do not trade away a strong outpost piece without a reason.
Coach tip: Before occupying an outpost, check whether an enemy pawn can chase your piece away.
Test yourself
What is a good outpost?
- A protected square that enemy pawns cannot easily attack
- Any corner square
- A square occupied by your king
Show answer
Correct answer: A protected square that enemy pawns cannot easily attack
Practise this lesson interactively
Open the ChessRivo Academy board exercise for this exact lesson. Your progress is saved when you are signed in.
Open interactive lessonHow to use this lesson in a real game
Turn the idea into a repeatable decision process.
- Before moving, name the position feature this lesson is about.
- Find one candidate move that follows the lesson idea and one alternative.
- After the game, return to the critical position and compare your choice with the lesson.